Expectations for Seahawks' James Carpenter

The Seahawks thought enough of offensive lineman James Carpenter to draft him with the 25th overall pick in 2011 instead of Andy Dalton, a player Seattle liked and one who would have addressed what was then a need at quarterback.

Two injury-filled years later, the Seahawks are still high on him.

James Carpenter

"He is a force," coach Pete Carroll told "Bob and Groz" on Wednesday. "He's a bigger, more dynamic athlete than anybody that we have at the guard spot, and he makes a difference and it's on film. He'll roll right through guys. When we get Carp back it's going to be a big deal for us."

Carpenter has not practiced this offseason as he recovers from his second knee injury in as many years. Carroll said that recovery is on schedule and that Carpenter is expected to return sometime during training camp, which begins in late-July.

"Carp is on the road back. He had minor cleanup surgery about five, six weeks ago that was extremely successful," Carroll said. "I just talked to him this morning; he feels great, he's making all the normal progress he's supposed to make."

Brock Huard and Danny O'Neil pick up the conversation there, discussing how good Carpenter has to be once he returns to justify his first-round selection.